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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Thomas feel when he wakes up after sleeping on the beach?

2. How many paintings does Thomas choose to create about the swordfish?

3. How does Thomas get his job in the military?

4. How many women come into the bar with the yachtsmen?

5. What does Bobby say about Thomas and Roger as they discuss the swordfish?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Thomas think a German body was found on the island in Chapter I?

2. What is the prank Thomas wants to pull on the yachtsmen at Bobby's bar?

3. What does Thomas paint for Bobby and where does he put it?

4. What happens when Thomas and Willie have a small dispute after the crew catches a fish?

5. How does Thomas feel about his military duty?

6. What does Thomas do when he runs into his first wife in Cuba?

7. What happens when one of the yachtsmen sees the picture Thomas painted for Bobby?

8. What happens when the prank is pulled on the yachtsmen?

9. What does Bobby do when Roger gets sad thinking about one of his past girlfriends?

10. What do Thomas and his crew find on an island in Chapter I?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Thomas endures many different trials before the end of the book. What are some of these trials and what lessons does he learn through these experiences?

Essay Topic 2

What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

Essay Topic 3

Love was a very important theme and motivating factor in this book. Which characters are most affected by this theme? Which relationships are the most significant to the plot, and why?

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